University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Client: University of Minnesota
Architect: Richard J. Carlson Architects, Ltd.
Size: 82,000 sq. ft.
Year Completed: 1996

The Masonic Cancer Center was constructed as a four story addition on top of the three story Dwan Cardiovascular Research Center. The facility includes laboratory space dedicated to biomedical cancer research, conference rooms, office space, and a seminar room. The laboratories were designed to be modular and flexible wet labs accommodating molecular biology, tissue culture, biochemistry, and protein chemistry. They are mechanically separated from other spaces to allow for more efficient air circulation control. The separation of the labs from office and common spaces also allows for future flexibility in the assignment of research space as research programs and staffing vary over the years. In addition, the contiguous laboratory spaces facilitate interaction and allow the shared use of equipment.